Replace or Retread particleboard staircases?

9 years ago

My split-entry home was built in the 70's. The builder used particleboard (ugh!) for both sets of entry stairs. Over the years the lower stairs have deteriorated (sagging, splitting) since they are over a crawlspace. I'm replacing my LR wall-to-wall with hardwood so it's time to redo the stairs as well.

I've gotten several estimates. Most of the the flooring guys have recommended reinforcing the particleboard stairs, then adding retreads. Most of contractors recommend replacing the entire staircase with a pre-built customized stairway.

I only plan to be in the house for another 4-5 years, so I'm torn. Should I...

do the right thing (full replacement) and spend $$$$,
or
save $1500 and have the flooring guy reinforce the particleboard, then add the retreads?

What would you do?
Thanks!!!

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Comments (8)

palimpsest
9 years ago
I am not sure $1500 is a big difference over 4-5 years.
PRO
BMF Construction
9 years ago
I would invest the $1500.
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dan1888
9 years ago
I'd replace the risers and the treads which appears to be the particleboard components. That shouldn't cost that much and they're all the same so you could diy it a couple at a time removing and replacing as you go up. Save the money for better finishes.
PRO
Mint tile Minneapolis
9 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
are you replacing floor covering at upper level too?.. You should move fwd with a professional that will educate you on your local staircase building code and run and rise compliance vs grandfathering. elevation change in floor coverings at lower/upper alone can throw rise out of whack, then consider retreads and material buildup and how that effects the first and last step......... Id look close as you proceed.. -best
PRO
Charles Ross Homes
9 years ago
Judging from the photo, the stairs you currently have are of the cheap-and-dirty variety. I concur with your local builders' advice to rip them out and replace them with a proper set of stairs.
User
9 years ago
IMHO, it should be illegal to use particle board for structural components(stairs and subfloors).

Repairing any of that is simply adding lipstick to the pig.

Adding treads screws up the rise of the bottom and top steps by making the bottom stair step height too high and the top too short. That causes stumbles and tripping.

Replace the stair components, maybe even the stringers.
PRO
Joseph Corlett, LLC
9 years ago
Retread. You'll never recover the investment in new stairs.
PRO
Prestige Contractors, Inc.
9 years ago
I had a similar problem in my own home. I replaced the entire set. You don't want height issues and it will make for a much better install of the new flooring, treads and risers if you have a solid foundation to work off of. We have replaced many stairways with new sets, I feel like it's the way to go.